Senator Mark Kirk is alert and talking, according to doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Illinois' junior Senator's condition has been upgraded to "fair," more than a week after he suffered a major stroke.

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been sentenced to 14 years in prison and a fine of $20,000.

Blagojevich spent about twenty minutes on the stand this morning during his sentencing, making his case for leniency from Judge James Zagel. He apologized to his family and the people of Illinois, although he said he had no intention of breaking the law.